NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: A police officer bled to death from a gunshot wound suffered during a scuffle with his own son in Bang Khan district of this southern province early Sunday.
The incident occurred about 30 minutes after midnight at a house in tambon Ban Lam Nang, Pol Capt Boonlue Mian-o, a Bang Khan police investigator, said.
An investigation revealed that late on Saturday night Pol Lt Chainarong Chanthornchote, 58, a border patrol police officer based in Thung Song district, had a drinking session in front of his house with his wife Mrs Sunee, 55, and their son Ronnayut, 29.
After getting drunk, Pol Lt Chainarong started to berate his son, who had earlier quarrelled with his wife - prompting her to return to her hometown in Trang province with their child.
Mr Ronnayut became angry, telling his father not to interfere in his family affairs. A heated argument was followed by a physical altercation.
Overpowered by his son, Pol Lt Chainarong ran into the house and returned with a 9mm handgun, firing three shots into the sky.
Mr Ronnayut ran into the nearby rubber plantation to hide, keeping watch on his father. After some time, Mr Ronnayut emerged from hiding and tried to wrench the gun from his father. During the scuffle, a gunshot rang out and Pol Lt Chainarong was hit in a thigh, causing him to bleed profusely.
Pol Lt Chainarong was rushed to Bang Khan Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Mr Ronnayut allegedly admitted to accidentally triggering the gunshot during the tussle.
He was held for further questioning.